Kenneth “Reid” Walters

Reid pursued his education with the same intentionality he brought to everything. He earned his undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University before going on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University – an academic foundation that would shape a distinguished career in service to others.

Reid dedicated his professional life to strengthening the communities entrusted to his care. He served as an impactful teacher at East Rowan High School, where he jokingly founded the largest disc golf club in the world. He then entered public administration, serving as Town Manager for the towns of Bethel and Spencer, North Carolina, and also Independence, Virginia. His favorite role was serving as County Manager of Alleghany County, Virginia. Reid also served as a Spencer town alderman and contributed to numerous county and town planning boards across both states, always working to open doors and strengthen communities while improving opportunities for others in the places he called home.

Reid’s fingerprints are on lasting achievements across the region. He played a key role in preserving the Spencer Woods park in Spencer, North Carolina; helped forge a water authority partnership spanning the Virginia–North Carolina state line; and supported the merger of the Covington and Alleghany County school systems in Virginia. He led not by title, but by example. With a humble demeanor and a rare gift for connecting with anyone he met, Reid brought people together to accomplish meaningful initiatives. As those who worked alongside him will tell you: if you worked with Reid, you made a friend. Reid led with kindness.

Away from public life, Reid’s greatest pride was being a father. Wrenn and Henry were the center of his life and his greatest joy. Reid loved creating memorable experiences with them. He traveled with them together and took them places individually to create memories with each one. Whether traveling to new places or enjoying simple moments nearby, his time with them was more precious than anything and he cherished every moment.

To know Reid was an adventure. He was unapologetically himself and that authentically drew so many people to him. His wanderlust carried him through 48 states, national parks, deserts, battlegrounds, and many other countries abroad. He treasured his many amazing friendships, and he brought light and laughter wherever he went. His warmth and willingness to listen endeared him to all. His love lives on in his children, in his family, in the countless friends who became family, and in every life he touched by simply being himself.

While our hearts are shattered here on earth, we find comfort knowing he is now healed, free from pain, and reunited in heaven with his father, Ken, who preceded him in death on March 7, 2023. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.

Reid is survived by his children, Wrenn and Henry, and their mom, Lauren Raper; mother, Victoria Walters; sister, Kelsey, and brother, Adam (Oxana); nieces, Makayla (Will), Olivia, Maura, and Nicole; and his nephew, Noah; great niece, Elliana Victoria and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.